Miguel Tejada had five hits, while Alex Rodriguez just got hit.

Tejada homered and set a career high for hits in a game as the Oakland Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers with a 9-2 victory Thursday.

Rodriguez wasn't so lucky. He left with a bloody nose in the seventh inning after being hit by a throw when Mark Ellis stole second. He was groggy after the game, but is expected to play Friday.

Ellis arrived ahead of the throw and Rodriguez dropped his glove as if to make the tag, but the ball hadn't arrived yet. The throw struck the shortstop in the nose. Rodriguez was tended to on the field by trainer Jamie Reed, then left the game.

''It hit me pretty square into the right nostril,'' Rodriguez said. ''It was really blurry. I remember Jamie asking me a few questions. I was in a daze.''

Tejada wasn't.

The reigning AL MVP, who has had four hits in a game seven times in his career, went 5-for-5 with a home run and a double.

He was hitting 4-for-35 (.114) during this home stretch before Thursday.

''I've been working on my hitting and there are a lot of games left,'' Tejada said. ''It doesn't matter what happens in the past. I'm seeing the ball better. It's all about confidence.''

Eric Byrnes and Eric Chavez hit three-run homers, and Mark Mulder (10-4) pitched seven strong innings as the A's won their sixth straight to match their best streak this season.

Angels 2, Mariners 0

Ramon Ortiz escaped a big jam in the fourth inning and shut out Seattle into the eighth at Safeco Field.

Eric Owens homered as Anaheim avoided a four-game sweep.

The Mariners loaded the bases with no outs in the fourth, and Ortiz ran the count to 3-0 on Mike Cameron. But Cameron grounded into a forceout at the plate, Randy Winn struck out and Jeff Cirillo flied out.

Ortiz went 7 2-3 innings, winning his fourth straight decision. Mariners starter Jamie Moyer had won five in against the Angels, including two this season.